Showing posts with label Auto Insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auto Insurance. Show all posts

Sunday

Free Car Insurance Tips For Women

Car insurance companies are generally “kinder” to women drivers. This is because it is statistically proven that females practice more caution on the road as compared to their male counterparts. They are also involved in car accidents which are less serious in nature since they are not aggressive on the road.
So if you are a female driver and you are looking for a car insurance company to handle your needs, you have better chances of getting a lower monthly premium. Or, at the very least, you will be entitled to a discount.

Here are 3 quick tips for women looking to sign up with an auto insurance company:
1. Search online or ask around for more women friendly insurance companies
You could get about 10% off your car insurance premiums. There are even companies that specialize in offering services for women drivers. Ask other women and get their recommendations on which auto insurance companies they prefer.
2. When talking to a broker, give them a detailed description of your driving history. If you have never been involved in a car accident and your record is clean, you can negotiate for a lower monthly insurance premium.
However, if your driving history indicates an involvement in a car accident, either as a passenger or a driver, you will be offered a slightly higher amount. But you can still get the best rates possible in spite of a not-so-clean driving record.
Having an overview of your driving history should also give the broker an idea of the premium insurance costs that you can get.
3. Find out what your options are in terms of payment.
Many companies offer full or bi-annual payment plans. While others may offer payments be made on an installment basis, it would do you good to check into that too. If you’re not familiar with the dealings of the auto industry, its not that easy to get an auto insurance policy.
Just remember that when dealing with insurance brokers, specify your needs as a female driver and check out all the options that they can offer. Then you can decide which company it is that you would like to handle your car insurance needs.

Friday

How to Pay for Emergency Car Repairs

Your car has broken down, and now you need to pay for towing, and repairs. Sometimes these repairs cost unexpected hundreds or thousands of dollars. What are your options?
1. Be Prepared
The best way to avoid an emergency is to be prepared for an emergency. If you can set aside a little bit of money each month in case of any emergency (be it medical, automotive, or accident), then you will be able to manage any unexpected situations. However, if the time has come and you haven’t planned ahead, there are still some ways that you can get money.
2. Stay Calm
One of the most common mistakes that is made during emergencies is to lose your cool. If you lose your cool, you might forget to use common sense. Use your common sense to shop around. Even if you need a tow right now, consider calling a few places for quotes before having them send someone over. The ten minutes that it takes you to make some comparisons might save you twenty dollars or more. That makes the use of time well worth your money. Remember, you will be late anyway, so take your time in getting there.
When the tow truck driver arrives, be sure that you know where you want to have your car towed. You should also do some comparison shopping for this. You can even call a friend and have them make some of your phone calls for you. If you don’t know what is wrong with your car, have it taken to a mechanic or dealership that you trust. They will tell you what’s wrong, and you then be able to decide how much (it might be all) of the work you want to have done.
3. Review your Options
When you buy a car, you often get a warranty. You might be signed up for AAA or CAA. Your insurance company might cover some of the repairs needed for your car. Before you go about paying for all of the repairs out of pocket, find out what repairs are covered. Then get approval from the institution that will help you pay. It is easier to get them to pay upfront than to get them to reimburse you.
Consider keeping a membership for CAA or AAA. This means that you will have free towing if you are ever in an accident or if you ever have a breakdown. There is an annual fee, so you would have to weigh the pros and cons of membership. I, personally, find that I have gotten a lot back from my membership, including a peace of mind knowing that I am covered while I travel.
4. What NOT to do
If you need to pay for your emergency repairs, do not get a pay day loan. Pay day loans have exorbitant interest rates and will make it hard for you to get back on top of your debt.
5. Get the best interest
Find out where you will be able to get the best interest rates for the money that you will have to spend. If you take out a loan, then you will be able to pay it back in small pieces throughout the year, rather than taking an upfront loss. This also works if you cannot pay for your car.
If you put the car repairs on your credit card, remember that you will probably be paying a higher interest rate than if you got a car repair loan, or if you went to a bank or credit union. Check the interest rates that varying places offer, including at the dealership if you are having your car repaired there.
6. In the meantime
While your car is in the shop, be smart about how you get around. Don’t take taxis everywhere if you can’t afford them! Ask friends for lifts; they will understand if you are in need because of unexpected car repairs for a few days. Take the bus for a few days. Walk or bike, if possible. Set up a temporary carpool with a co-worker (this could even work for you when you get your car back!). Don’t let the expense of car repairs get larger because you don’t have your car.